Newport, Co. Mayo

Phone 098-41442

E-Mail newportmayo.ias@eircom.net

Homework Policy

The school’s existing policy was reviewed at staff meetings in February 2007. All teachers were involved.
Rationale: Holy Family School seeks to enable each child to develop her/his potential. Homework encourages pupils to work independently and take responsibility for their assignments. Homework is seen as a positive element of the child’s schooling. All homework given will be of sound educational value, and no homework will be given simply for the sake of giving homework or for punishment.

Aims:
To benefit pupil learning;
to reinforce and consolidate work done in class;
to develop study skills;
to instil a sense of self-discipline in a child;
to promote a similar approach to homework across all classes;
to involve parents as a positive element of the child’s schooling;
to strengthen links between home and school.

Homework has a particular part to play in helping children to learn. It should--
be part of a carefully thought-out learning programme;
have a purpose, such as allowing children to complete a task which they have begun in school, or giving them the opportunity to apply what they have learned in other situations;
homework might consist of revision of, practice in, or expansion of, work already done in the classroom, and not contain any new or unfamiliar material;
homework might be varied and not limited to reading/ writing;
be suitable to the capabilities of the children—they should be able to complete homework within a reasonable timeframe (see suggested times);
be properly explained to children in advance;
be checked by the teacher, with credit given for personal effort.

In the allocation of homework, the class teacher bears in mind any educational, social, family or financial factors that might affect the pupil’s performance of his or her assignments. Parents will supervise children’s homework, check and sign it, ensure that it is neat and in keeping with the standard of their work in school. Should a pupil experience continued difficulty in the completion of homework assignments, parents/ guardians are encouraged to bring that fact to the attention of the class teacher, and a meeting between the parents/ guardians and the class teacher may be arranged to resolve the problem. The Principal might be present at such a meeting if either or both parties so wish.
All classes get homework. Homework is given every evening, except Fridays/ weekends. However, at the teacher’s discretion, exceptions can be made—e.g. for a child’s birthday. All pupils do not get the same homework: provision is made for children with special needs, dyslexia, etc. The content is varied and balanced between oral, reading, and written work.  Homework is seen as reinforcement, revision and expansion of work done in class. It should not contain any new or unfamiliar material. Depending on the age of the pupil, it can be project work, with use of reference books, encyclopaedias, library books, etc.
It can be given following the lesson or/and at the end of the day. Parents are expected to sign the homework journal nightly. Homework journals may be used from 2nd Class upwards, at teacher’s discretion.
When a special effort has been made, the teacher acknowledges and praises by word to pupil and/or note to parents.  Homework that is not completed must be done the following night.

Home-School Links

It is important that there are close links between parents and the school with regard to homework.
Parents have an important role to play in (a) encouraging their child’s work, (b) observing their work, (c) looking over completed work and signing it.
Strategies have issued to parents/ guardians as to optimum conditions necessary to enable homework assignments to be completed satisfactorily. If aspects of homework give continued cause for concern, these might be addressed through workshops, etc. for parents/ guardians on these specific topics.
Parents can help their children by—
setting suitable times for doing homework that take account of other needs, such as recreation and family circumstances;
setting a reasonable amount of time for homework (see suggested times);
making sure children have the proper physical conditions for doing homework: a quiet time, a clear table, helpful books such as dictionaries;
getting in touch with the school at an early stage if the child is having difficulties with homework. 

 Time Recommended:
The maximum time a child of average ability working consistently should take to complete homework assignments has been agreed for each class.
1st and 2nd Classes– not to exceed 30 minutes;
3rd and 4th – not to exceed 45 minutes;
5th and 6th –not to exceed 1 hour.

Options for Correction of Homework:
All homework given should be examined by the teacher, and corrected by the teacher, or by the pupil under the guidance of the teacher following class discussion. At times, correction can be done by fellow pupils, following class discussion and swapping copies: this will instil honesty and self-discipline in children, and will be constantly monitored by the teacher.
Homework Club:
The running of a homework club may be considered in the context of our DEIS status.

Monitoring/Evaluation:
This is done by (a) daily correction, (b) discussion at parent/teacher meetings, (c) teacher-testing designed to ascertain if homework is achieving its objectives. The written work of pupils is always dated when being corrected in order to mark progress.
Success Criteria:

Implementation:
These procedures apply from March 2007.
Ratification and Communication:
This policy awaits ratification by the Board of Management after consultation with representatives of the school community, and after ratification will be communicated to all members of the school community.